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Excel Copilot: Where and How to Enter Prompts for Success

Introduction: Where and How to Enter Copilot Prompts in Excel

Excel Copilot transforms how you work with spreadsheets by letting you use natural language to analyze, visualize, and automate your data. To get the most out of Copilot, it’s important to know where you can enter prompts and which method is best for your task.

1. COPILOT() Function (Formula Bar)

Where: Enter =COPILOT() directly into any cell, just like a regular Excel formula.

How: Syntax: =COPILOT("your prompt", [context]) Example: =COPILOT("Summarize sales by region", A2:D20)

Best For:

  1. Embedding AI-powered analysis directly into your spreadsheet
  2. Dynamic tasks that update automatically when your data changes
  3. Advanced users who want to combine Copilot with other formulas (e.g., IF, SWITCH, LAMBDA)

Tips:

  • Use cell references or ranges as context for more accurate results.
  • Results update automatically when your data changes.
  • Great for creating reusable, automated reports.

2. Copilot Pane (Chat Pane)

Where: Click the Copilot icon in the Excel ribbon (usually under the Home tab or in the toolbar) to open the Copilot pane (chat pane).

How: Type your question or command in the Copilot pane (chat pane). For example, “Summarize this table,” or “Create a bar chart for sales by region.”

Best For:

  • Quick, conversational requests
  • Exploring data, getting summaries, or asking for charts
  • Beginners who want a guided experience

Tips:

  • Reference specific tables or ranges for best results (e.g., “Summarize the data in Table1”).
  • Use clear, direct language—Copilot understands natural English.
  Column 1 Column 2 - wide
Row 1 Beth The best girlfriend ever
Row 2 Rob The best boyfriend ever

3. COPILOT() Function (Formula Bar)

Where: Enter =COPILOT() directly into any cell, just like a regular Excel formula.

How: Syntax: =COPILOT("your prompt", [context]) Example: =COPILOT("Summarize sales by region", A2:D20)

Best For:

  1. Embedding AI-powered analysis directly into your spreadsheet
  2. Dynamic tasks that update automatically when your data changes
  3. Advanced users who want to combine Copilot with other formulas (e.g., IF, SWITCH, LAMBDA)

Tips:

  • Use cell references or ranges as context for more accurate results.
  • Results update automatically when your data changes.
  • Great for creating reusable, automated reports.

4. COPILOT() Function (Formula Bar)

Where: Enter =COPILOT() directly into any cell, just like a regular Excel formula.

How: Syntax: =COPILOT("your prompt", [context]) Example: =COPILOT("Summarize sales by region", A2:D20)

Best For:

  1. Embedding AI-powered analysis directly into your spreadsheet
  2. Dynamic tasks that update automatically when your data changes
  3. Advanced users who want to combine Copilot with other formulas (e.g., IF, SWITCH, LAMBDA)

Tips:

  • Use cell references or ranges as context for more accurate results.
  • Results update automatically when your data changes.
  • Great for creating reusable, automated reports.

Search for Excel tips, Copilot prompts, and productivity how‑tos—or narrow things down by category, tags, or skill level to find exactly what you need.